The world’s first production supersonic delta-wing interceptor bursts into the skies of War Thunder!
F-102A Delta Dagger: A Jet Fighter for the USA and Israel at Rank VI
At a glance:
Supersonic
Delta wing
Super Falcon air-to-air missiles with IR and SARH guidance
Radar
Unguided rockets in missile bay doors
No guns
The Sky Odyssey major update brings the F-102 Delta Dagger to the game, the world’s first mass-produced supersonic delta-wing interceptor, the first supersonic all-weather interceptor, and the first aircraft of its type armed with only missiles!
The F-102A lacks guns, instead relying on high speed and missiles in combat. The Delta Dagger’s primary armament consists of AIM-4 Super Falcon guided missiles, specifically the G variant with an infrared seeker and the F variant with semi-active radar guidance, a rarity for its rank! The F-102A can carry up to six of these air-to-air missiles. Its secondary armament comprises 24 small rockets, cleverly stowed within the doors of the rocket bay.
The Delta Dagger is a highly distinctive aircraft in combat. Its key features are an all-missile armament and very high speed. While the infrared-guided AIM-4G operates on principles standard for early jet-era aircraft, requiring a rear-aspect lock, the semi-active radar-guided version allows for engagements on head-on courses from significant distances, often catching the enemy off guard. In either scenario, the F-102A must fully exploit its speed potential: rapid closure, an attack, and a subsequent climb to altitude or change of course.Developer comment: In the Sky Odyssey update, the F-102A Delta Dagger will be coming to two nations at once: the USA and Israel. Israel will receive a Greek modification of the Delta Dagger, a vehicle from early production series. The US version is distinguished by the installation of an IR sensor in front of the canopy and a characteristic twist of the wing tips for better stability at low speeds. The US Delta Dagger will be placed between the F-80 Shooting Star and the F-101C Voodoo, filling the still fairly large gap in Battle Rating at ranks V and VI. The Greek F-102A fits organically into the Greek air line in the Israeli research tree, together with with the improved Saber F-86E(M).
The F-102A was developed under the MX-1554 program to create an interceptor capable of engaging Soviet strategic bombers (including the Tu-95, known to NATO as the “Bear”). A competition for the platform was announced in 1951, and Convair won with its Model 8-80 design. The prototype, designated YF-102, made its maiden flight on October 24th 1953.Initially, the aircraft failed to achieve supersonic speeds in level flight. This issue was resolved by aeronautical engineer Richard Whitcomb, who formulated and implemented the “area rule”. Redesigning and building the new prototype took 117 days. The fuselage was lengthened and changed at the wing junction, the nose was lowered, and fairings were added to the tail section. The new version was designated YF-102A. In December 1954, the aircraft reached a speed of Mach 1.2 in level flight. The production F-102A took to the air on June 24th 1955. These aircraft served with the USAF until the mid-1960s, after which they were transferred to the Air National Guard.Greece received 20 F-102A aircraft in 1969. These aircraft had previously served with the US Air National Guard. Prior to delivery, they underwent a major overhaul that included replacing wing spars and updating the wiring, hydraulic systems, and weapon bay door actuators. The SAGE equipment and telemetry units were removed, while the MG-10 fire control system and autopilot were reconfigured for manual operation. The aircraft served with the 342nd Squadron (342 Mira) at Tanagra Air Base, providing air defense for the country. F-102A service in Greece continued until 1976–1977; the fighters saw no combat action.
We hope you enjoyed this dev blog! The F-102A has no guns but will still be fun to use in combat thanks to its missile loadout. Until the next blog, see you around!
Please note that vehicle specifications may be subject to revision and change before being added to the game.